In Germany, a traineeship is referred to as an “Ausbildung” or “Berufsausbildung”
This is a vocational training program that combines theoretical education with practical work experience. The aim of the program is to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to enter a specific profession or trade.
To be eligible for a traineeship in Germany, individuals must have completed their compulsory education and have a school leaving certificate, which is usually obtained at the age of 16 or 18. They must also have a good command of the German language, as most vocational training programs are conducted in German.
In addition, some vocational training programs may require specific qualifications or prior work experience. For example, to become an electrician, one may need to have completed a training program in a related field, such as electrical engineering.
Traineeships in Germany are typically offered by companies and can range from two to three years, depending on the profession or trade. During the traineeship, individuals receive a salary, which varies depending on the industry and the region of Germany.
Upon completion of the traineeship, individuals receive a recognized vocational qualification, which allows them to work in their chosen profession or trade.
There are many types of traineeships:
- Recognition traineeship
Compulsory traineeship after a theoretical and practical training course in a specific field in order to achieve recognition of a vocational qualification. - Practical semester
Part of the examination requirements for students in higher education. - Shipping traineeship
Voluntary traineeship for school leavers to learn about technical maritime careers and the requirements for them. - Taster work placement
A traineeship lasting a few days for school pupils to learn about working and training conditions. - Work experience for school pupils
In most federal states, work experience is mandatory in the penultimate or final year of school. This is usually organised via the school. - Course-related traineeship
Additional vocational qualification that is both practical and voluntary to increase the chances of finding a job for students in all disciplines. - Graduate trainee
Programme of training specific to the job and the company for new graduates starting a career. The main purpose of these traineeships is to recruit new graduates. - Pre-study traineeship / specialised traineeship
Mandatory traineeship that must be completed before or during a training course in the relevant field.
How you can access such a trainee program as a foreigner:
Since traineeships are in principle classed as employment, there are special rules for citizens of other countries. Information is available on the website of the Foreign Office, including in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic: Auswaertiges-Amt.de.
Information about the national quality framework
Living and working conditions in a trainee program:
The conditions of the traineeship depend on the contract between the two parties – the trainee and the company. As it is everywhere it realy depends how much a company is prepared for a new trainee and if he/she is realy needed and the job is what you expect. If you get a position following should be wrote down i a traineeship working conract:
The traineeship contract sets out the following:
- the duration and pay of the traineeship,
- the content and the tasks to be learnt,
- the field of work,
- objectives.
If the traineeship is a compulsory component of vocational or university education, the trainee retains their educational status.
What i earn in a traineeship in which branches
The amount you can earn during a traineeship in Germany depends on various factors, such as the industry, region, and the specific company offering the traineeship. However, trainees in Germany generally receive a salary that covers their living expenses during the traineeship.
As of 2021, the average monthly salary for trainees in Germany is around 950 euros per month in the first year of their traineeship, with some industries paying more. The salary can increase in the second and third years of the traineeship.
The salary of trainees also varies depending on the industry. Some industries tend to pay higher salaries than others. For example, trainees in the banking and finance industry tend to earn more than those in the retail or service industry.
However, it is important to note that the primary focus of a traineeship is to provide vocational training and education, and the salary is intended to cover living expenses, rather than to provide a significant income.
In summary, the amount you can earn during a traineeship in Germany varies depending on the industry, region, and company offering the traineeship. However, it is generally enough to cover your living expenses during the traineeship.
Sure, I can provide an approximate range for trainee wages in various industries in Germany, based on information from official sources and industry reports. However, please note that these ranges are general estimates and can vary based on the specific company, region, and other factors.
Here are some examples of trainee wages in different industries in Germany:
- Banking and finance: €1,000-€1,500 per month
- IT and technology: €900-€1,200 per month
- Engineering: €800-€1,200 per month
- Automotive: €800-€1,200 per month
- Health care: €700-€1,000 per month
- Retail and sales: €600-€900 per month
- Hotel and hospitality: €600-€900 per month
- Social services: €500-€800 per month
In which branches trainees are needed most because of labour shortage
There are several industries in Germany where trainees are in high demand due to a shortage of skilled labor. These industries are often those that require specific technical skills or qualifications, and may offer promising career opportunities for those who complete a traineeship. Some of the industries currently experiencing a shortage of skilled labor and a high demand for trainees include:
- Healthcare: Due to an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services, there is a shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare sector. Traineeships in nursing, medical technology, and other healthcare professions are in high demand.
- IT and technology: With the rise of digitalization and Industry 4.0, there is a shortage of skilled workers in the IT and technology sector. Traineeships in software development, data science, and cybersecurity are particularly in demand.
- Engineering: Germany is known for its strong engineering industry, but there is a shortage of skilled workers in many areas of engineering, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and automation engineering.
- Construction: The construction industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, particularly in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical installation. Traineeships in these fields are in high demand.
- Automotive: The automotive industry is a major employer in Germany, but there is a shortage of skilled workers in many areas of the industry, including vehicle manufacturing, automotive technology, and mechatronics.
Overall, traineeships in industries experiencing a shortage of skilled labor can offer promising career opportunities for individuals who are interested in developing their skills in these areas.
Information for candidates
Where to find opportunities?
The public employment service in Germany, the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA), publishes free traineeship positions on its general job portal jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de. Applications for a traineeship are made in the same way as applications for a normal job.
Other websites:
Funding and support
If the traineeship is remunerated, the payment must comply with the new regulations on the statutory minimum wage. The following are exempt from this:
- compulsory professional traineeships as part of the training (school, initial vocational training, tertiary education),
- voluntary traineeships during vocational or higher education up to a maximum of three months, and
- orientation traineeships for vocational training or for starting a course of study, for up to three months.
Depending on the type of traineeship, contributions to sickness, care, pension and unemployment insurance have to be paid.
Other Websites:
- Information from the German Trade Union Confederation [Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund]: Jugend.dgb.de
- Vocational training career choice magazine of the Federal Employment Office: Abi.de
Source: Eures Website EU